What is the largest mammal in the world?
The world’s largest mammal is the blue whale (Balaenoptera musculus). This huge marine mammal can grow up to 30 meters long and weigh more than 180 tons. Blue whales are known not only for their enormous size, but also for the fact that they are highly endangered. In this article, we look at the blue whale’s characteristics, habitat, diet and conservation efforts.
Characteristics of the blue whale
Blue whales are known for their huge size and bluish color, from which they got their name. They are also very fast swimmers and can reach speeds of up to 50 kilometers per hour. A blue whale’s heart is roughly the size of a car, and its tongue can weigh as much as an elephant.
Habitat
Blue whales live in all the world’s oceans, but they especially prefer cold and deep waters. They make long migrations, and can travel thousands of kilometers a year. Blue whales usually spend their summer near the polar regions, where they feed in abundance, and winter in warmer waters, where they breed.
Nutrition
Blue whales are filter feeders and mainly eat krill, small shrimp-like crustaceans. They can eat up to 4 tons of krill per day. Blue whales use filter plates located in their mouths to filter food from the water.
Protective measures
Blue whales have been endangered since the beginning of the 20th century, when commercial whaling reduced their population significantly. Today, blue whales are protected in most countries, and their hunting is prohibited. International conservation efforts and a ban on whaling have helped the blue whale population recover, but they are still under threat.
